Rangamati, Oct 10 (V7N) – The 32nd annual Kathina Chibar Danotsab (Kathina Robe Offering Festival), one of the most significant Buddhist religious events, was celebrated with deep spiritual solemnity at the Subalong branch of Bana Vihara in Jurachhari upazila of Rangamati.

The two-day festival began Thursday night with the traditional preparation of the Chibar—the sacred robe worn by Buddhist monks. According to Theravada Buddhist tradition, devotees sew the robe overnight as an act of great merit. On Friday morning, the ceremony concluded with Panchashil prayers and formal offerings of the robes to the monks in a vibrant and reverent atmosphere.

Sushanta Chakma, member secretary of the Kathina Chibar Danotsab Celebration Committee, delivered the welcome address.

Religious sermons were delivered by Venerable Pragnyadarshi Bhikkhu of Kattachhari Bana Vihara and Venerable Panthak Mahasthabir, Principal of Benuban Bana Vihara, Naniarchar. The principal religious leader of the event, Venerable Buddhashree Mahasthabir, presided over the ceremony and led the spiritual proceedings.

The Kathina Chibar Danotsab holds great importance among Buddhist followers, symbolizing generosity, unity, and spiritual discipline. According to Buddhist teachings, the festival takes place every year after the Barshabas (the three-month monastic rains retreat), when devotees offer newly made robes to monks who have completed their retreat in observance of Buddha’s guidance.

This year’s celebration, continuing a long-standing tradition, drew hundreds of devotees from different areas who participated in religious prayers, meditation, and offerings with profound devotion. The event highlighted the essence of compassion, selfless giving, and moral purification—core teachings of Lord Buddha.

Local Buddhist communities expressed that the festival not only strengthens their faith but also fosters harmony and cultural preservation among the hill communities of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

The serene and devotional atmosphere at the Subalong Bana Vihara reflected the timeless spiritual heritage of Buddhism, as participants prayed for global peace, well-being, and enlightenment.

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